After Market Wheels

[ViperNM]

I've been looking into getting another set of 18" wheels for my 02 GTS that will be used primarily on the track. I could get another set of stock wheels but for the price I can get a set of SSR's (around $2100 for a new set). I don't have any experience with them but for the price and weight savings (about 40 lbs total weight for all four) they seem like a bargain. Other brands like BBS, Forgeline, and HRE are no lighter and anywhere from $1000 - $2000 more per set. Anyone have any experience with the SSRs? Recommendations?

 

[Anthony - 98 GTS]

For the track go with CCW's.

 

[TwinSS]

Try www.ccwheel.com for Viper race wheels.

 

[ViperNM]

Why CCWs? The SSRs are as light (19 lbs front, 21 back) and still significantly cheaper. The CCWs are, however, very reasonably price (about $2580 a set). I guess I'm looking for a reason to eliminate (or not)the SSRs.

Thanks!

 

[BradBodily]

CCW wheels are also known as Purner Wheels. You can get a deal if you contact KBHPerformance.com Also, I have a set of stock 2000 wheels that I just got refinished and put new tires on for sale for $3K

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Why CCWs?

Because John Purner is a great guy, will give you great service and builds his wheels 100% in the U.S.A. . Dunno anything about the other company you mentioned.

 

[RaceDeck]

Go with John Purner at CCW...Great service and a great product....and as stated above...100% USA made.

I have two sets of his wheels

 

[JGarrett]

I'm looking at new wheels as well. The Pruners certainly look nice and many folks use them. I understand though that there was an issue with some of the Pruners and one of the new tires at the last Viper Days. The wheel tire combo did not fit properly and was damaging the wheel wells. You may want to talk to Bobby Archer's group and get the details. I don't recall the specific tire. I did specifically ask about the new Forgelines and the SSRs and was told they worked fine. Depending on what tire you run there may be an issue.
My dilemma....the new Forgline save a point in class; the SSRs are a grand less??????
Cheers,
Jim

 

[ViperNM]

Chuck, Jorgen

I just got done talking with John Pruner for over an hour. Great guy, very knowldgeable and absolutely no pressure. Given that I don't have a trailer I will change wheels/tires and drive < 400 miles to an event. So that limits me to tires that I can do highway driving on. The 18" Toyos and Michelin Pilot Sport Cups will work but we're talking about $1200 - $1400 a set. Kuhmo makes a nice sticky track tire that can be driven on the street as well. They're the Ecsta 712's but they only come in 17" (but they cost $700). One option is to get a used set of 17" wheels. These can be had for a song. John recommends getting 17x12 in front and 17x13 in back. This way you can run 335s all the way around. The only down side I can see with 17" wheels is that you can't go with a big brake kit. Of course you can always upgrade the rotors and go with slotted or drilled 13".

As far as the issue at Viper Days, I'm not aware of this except there was a fair amount of politics at one point and John decided to pull out. When you buy John's wheels you buy direct and that is probably the main reason for the lower cost. And they are made in lovely Daytona, FL. The SSR's are made in Japan and are $2216 from Tirerack. I can get them in town here in Albuquerque for the same price.

My dilemma is whether to get new wheels with track/road tires for about $3600 or a used set of 17" wheels and new track/road tires for $1700.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

If you plan on running ViperDays then you must use Michelins to qualify for points.

Used stock 17 rims will run about $1500. Make sure you get 97 or 98 17s if you are going to track them. The 96 17s you can't use because the weld will break under the stress at the track. Purner can also sell you 17 and that is what I suggest. Peace of mind is worth the few extra bucks.

 

[dblankenbaker]

Why CCWs? The SSRs are as light (19 lbs front, 21 back) and still significantly cheaper. The CCWs are, however, very reasonably price (about $2580 a set). I guess I'm looking for a reason to eliminate (or not)the SSRs.

CCW's are track proven to be **indestructible** in ViperDays going back to 1997 (maybe one person used them in '96... I don't remember... but '97 was the breakout year). I have 3 sets of these wheels. I've used them with the stickiest tires I could find, and I trust them. I've seen wheels bend or even break on the track from lateral loading, so I'm not sure I want to be one of the first people to put sticky tires on a new style wheel and push it.

One option is to get a used set of 17" wheels. These can be had for a song. John recommends getting 17x12 in front and 17x13 in back.

I have the dilema that my cars are at the bottom (points-wise) of the Super Modified class, so I would like to run Pilot Sport Cups. But all my track wheels are 17". I might consider selling a set of the 17" CCWs to help offset the cost of an 18" set for the Pilot Sport Cups.

Time to e-mail Purner...